Tractor Supply Straight Run

[tadpole98]

also bear in mind its VERY difficult to even give away a rooster, so if you cant keep them, eat them, or know somebody to give them away to, dont do it..

 

[ChickChic1403]

do they sell any already sexed?
you might want to try those first, especially if you are looking to get layers (i dont know what you are looking for), buff orpingtons are poor layers.

i would get red sex links, black and cinnamon queens if they have them!

Good to know! I've always heard buffs are decent layers at 280-300 eggs a year. I was interested in them more for their temperament. Are there other breeds that are as docile and friendly?

 

[tadpole98]

Quote: you never know, you actually might get lucky with them laying that well. I have three, and one of them is a decent layer, 4 eggs a week.

in my experience, red sex links are very friendly, along with cinnamon queens. but IMO black sex links arent too nice..
i also LOVE light sussex for their eggs and friendliness. your feed store might not have them though..

 

[Bellatrixed]

Ok thank you for the advice. As I said, I was just trying to explore all options being a newbie. We have a hatchery about an hour drive from our house that sells pullets which is also an option. I really wanted to raise the chicks myself though.

You can get day-old sexed pullets from most hatcheries, so it doesn't have to be a choice between sexed or babies! You probably already knew that but I wasn't sure from your wording.

I highly recommend looking at the breed reviews on this site. There are a ton of docile breeds that lay well. Buff Orpingtons may not be able to compete with production breeds like leghorns or sexlinks, but they lay just fine for the average family in my experience.

My personal favorite breeds for sweet personalities are Orpingtons, Rocks, Easter Eggers, Wyandottes, Faverolles and Australorps.